Flying Eagles Wrap Up Chile Camp, Confirm Squad Change Ahead Of World Cup Opener

Flying Eagles Wrap Up Chile Camp, Confirm Squad Change Ahead Of World Cup Opener 

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, have confirmed a late alteration to their squad for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, following the withdrawal of central defender Freedom Marvelous due to injury, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Marvelous, who plays for Ikorodu City FC, sustained a knee injury during the final stages of the team’s 12-day training camp in Santiago and has been officially ruled out of the tournament. In response, head coach Aliyu Zubair has called up Haruna Aliyu of Wikki Tourists as a replacement.

The squad adjustment comes just days before Nigeria's opening match against Norway, scheduled for Monday, September 29 in Talca. Haruna Aliyu is expected to arrive in Chile by Friday morning to integrate into the team before the crucial Group F opener.

The Flying Eagles concluded their pre-tournament training camp with a spirited two-hour session on Wednesday evening at the Cancha training pitch in Santiago. Nineteen players participated under the supervision of Coach Zubair and his technical team, as preparations concluded ahead of Thursday's move to Talca City, in southern Chile.

Marvelous received a warm send-off from teammates and coaching staff, who presented him with a signed No. 20 jersey in recognition of his contributions during the buildup to the tournament. He is expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.

Nigeria's final warm-up matches included a 3–1 victory over Australia in a closed-door friendly, with goals from Tahir Maigana, Achihi Oseer, and Charles Agada, as well as a 1–1 draw with tournament hosts Chile. The results have given Coach Zubair confidence ahead of what he described as a critical group stage campaign.

“We’ve prepared well, and even though losing Marvelous is unfortunate, the squad remains focused,” Zubair said. “Our goal is not just to participate but to surpass our past performances.”

Nigeria has been drawn in Group F alongside Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia. Following their opener against Norway, the Flying Eagles will face Saudi Arabia on October 2 and wrap up the group stage against Colombia on October 5.

The 2025 U-20 World Cup will feature 24 teams from six confederations, with the top two teams from each group and four best third-placed teams progressing to the Round of 16.

As the Flying Eagles embark on their campaign, the team will look to improve on their historic runner-up finishes in 1989 and 2005, aiming for a deeper run on the global stage.